pet wellness month: advice for keeping pets healthy

Posted by Dr. Kim Smyth
on October 03 2011Staff Veterinarian and Pet Health Writer of Petplan

October is National Pet Wellness Month, which means that it’s time to remind ourselves of the motto “Twice a Year, For Life!”. That’s right - because our pets age five to seven times faster than we do, it’s important to have them examined twice a year, especially when they are over seven years old.

National Pet Wellness Month not only serves as our reminder to schedule those twice a year wellness exams (sick exams don’t count!), but is also the time to think about how disease prevention and pet health insurance can help our pets live a long, full and happy life.

Dogs and cats can hide illness well, which is a good thing if they’re wild animals, as they need to trick predators who tend to prey on sick, injured, or weak animals into thinking that they are healthy. But tricking us into thinking that they’re not sick doesn’t bode well for anyone. Twice a year vet visits allow a veterinarian to look specifically for illness that your pet may be trying to hide. By detecting, treating and preventing problems before they become life-threatening, we can extend the life of your favorite four-legged family member.

Finally, National Pet Wellness Month encourages owners to consider pet health insurance. Pet parents with pet insurance visit the veterinarian 30% more than uninsured parents*. Having the right pet health insurance policy can help a life or death situation turn out for the best. With the advancement of veterinary medicine, the cost of treating a sick or injured pet can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Knowing that you can afford veterinary care saves you from having to make tough decisions regarding giving your best friend the best care possible.

Celebrate National Pet Wellness Month by giving your pets the best care. Schedule your semi-annual exams this month to detect and prevent illness, and review your pet health insurance policy to make sure it fits the bill! And of course, like any other month, shower your furry babies with hugs and kisses!

* According to National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI): A Veterinarian’s Guide to Pet Health Insurance, January 2009

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Comments

Posted by Raul Arce

on October 08 2011 15:34

I love my DEAREST BEST friend named "BABY".
Yesterday had his routine
check-up and vaccinations.
My"TACOBELL" CHIHUAHUA tip
the scale at sixteen Lbs.
He had gained ten pounds
in six months. "SHAME ON ME". The VET'S prescription
has make him stop eating.
He is spoilled when it comes to dog food.
So I fed him DOG TREATS
24/7 and vitamins.
It corfirms the old saying:
YOU CAN KILL WITH KINDNESS!
Now when we go for our regular walk,he may walk half way and runs out of gas; And I have carry sixteen pounds back home.
It hurts me and saddest me
to seeing him traying to make it. The Vets orders
are to walk as much as his
capable. that goes for me too. I will be 83 in Nov/13

The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state.

Petplan insurance policies are administered by Fetch Insurance Services, LLC (Fetch Insurance Agency, LLC in Michigan), d/b/a Petplan (Petplan Insurance Agency, LLC in California) and underwritten by XL Specialty Insurance Company, which carries the rating of A+ by S&P, and AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, (rated A+ A.M. Best). Coverages may not be available in all jurisdictions. Information accurate as of November 2016.